Central Truth

God created us out of His love for us and His desire to fellowship with us. Now we spread His love to others as we join in fellowship and prayer with them. Through the simple act of sharing a meal God's love is revealed.

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Reflections

I love the stories in the Bible that revolve around food. Esther prepared a banquet for the king. Martha cooked for Jesus. Jesus went to Peter's house, probably for dinner, and healed Peter's mother-in-law. Jesus cooked breakfast for the disciples on the beach. And in Acts 2:42 we are told that the disciples ate together. But it’s what happened when they ate together that excites me!!

I have the privilege and honor of cooking at Trinity for different events. I cook for Celebrate Recovery every Monday night. The people who come to Celebrate Recovery have had a very difficult past and God is transforming their lives in remarkable ways. Some of our best memories involve a special meal or a favorite food. God uses my food to restore good memories to the Celebrate Recovery family and displace the bad memories. For a short time on Monday, they laugh and enjoy a meal and fellowship, and then we are taught the Word and give praise. And the Lord adds to our number.

Once a month we go to Westside Assembly of God. Their soup kitchen is open three days a week, and Trinity provides the meal the last Wednesday of every month. It’s so great to be able to fix a special meal for them, sometimes authentic Chinese food, that they couldn't afford on their own budget—to see the despair changed to joy, to be able to bless them and show God's love to them in a simple way. There is Christian music and prayer. And the Lord adds to our number.

We have a meals ministry at Trinity for those who are unable to cook due to illness, injury, or surgery. Through the small groups and Compassionate Partners, meals are prepared and delivered to those in need. We get to pour out God's love to them and show God's compassion. An important part of the delivery of meals is the fellowship and opportunity to pray for needs. This act of kindness is a testimony of God's provision to other family, neighbors, and friends. And the Lord adds to our number.

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Discussion Questions

1. Can you think of anyone to whom you could show God's love by preparing and delivering a meal or a dessert?

2. What does the Bible teach us about gathering together as a body of believers?

3. Read Acts 2:42-47 and Mark 14:22-27. What conclusions can you draw from a comparison between these two passages?

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